Dual screen game module

ABSTRACT

Systems for, and methods of, dual screen gaming modules are described herein. A first screen can be configured in whole or in part as a display for the game or a controller for a game. Similarly, a second screen can be configured as a display or a controller for a game. The two screens are configured to appear as one contiguous screen. Controller functions including size, placement and sensitivity to pressure can be user configured, pre-programmed or learned by the module.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of electronic devices having multiple display screens. More specifically, the present invention relates to systems for and methods of enabling one screen to control another screen.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many portable gaming devices have dual screens for enhanced gameplay. FIG. 1 shows a prior art portable gaming device 100. The portable gaming device 100 comprises a first screen 108 and a second screen 110. Generally, one or both screens are touch sensitive and can be actuated by the user's finger or use of a stylus 115. The gaming device is selectively positionable in an open or closed position via a hinge 109 that physically divides first 108 and second 110 screens such that they cannot be made adjacent. Furthermore, the gaming device 100 comprises a set of cardinal direction indicators 120, functional buttons 130 and menu/setting buttons 140, all of which are physical buttons or switches that are fixed in location and size. Because the cardinal direction indicators 120, functional buttons 130 and menu/setting buttons 140 are all physical buttons, the device 100 must be made wider in order to accommodate them next to the second screen 110. As a result, the size of the second screen 110 is necessarily limited. Furthermore, because the cardinal direction indicators 120, functional buttons 130 and menu/setting buttons 140 are fixed, there can be no user configurability of their location, size or sensitivity to pressure. Still further, since the hinge 109 divides the first 108 and second 110 screens, they cannot be made contiguous as one display means.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the presently-claimed invention are directed to systems for and methods of enabling an electronic gaming device having dual touch sensitive displays that are adjacent to one another upon opening of the device. In contrast to prior art solutions, the two screens have the look and feel of one screen, enabling many embodiments not possible in the prior art. Portions of the first and second screen can be automatically configured or user configured as an appropriate controller for a game that is displayed on the remainder of the first and second screens. For example, the first screen can display a game, and the second screen can configure as a controller. Or, a portion of the first screen can display a game, and the remainder of the first screen in addition to the second screen can configure as a controller. Still alternatively, all of the first screen and a portion of the second screen can display a game, and the remainder of the second screen can be a controller. The controller can have any functional control buttons and cardinal directions, all user configured for size and location. For sensing pressure, splaying of a user's fingers on one of the screens trigger concentric areas of contact in a functional button or cardinal direction. The concentric areas of contact correlate to an amount of pressure, which can be user configured, prompted by the device, or automatically configured as will be explained in greater detail below. Advantageously, pressure can be sensed by a standard capacitive LED based screen without resorting to expensive and inefficient pressure sensitive touchscreens.

In a first aspect of the invention, an electronic gaming device comprises a first touch sensitive screen and a second touch sensitive screen adjacent to the first touch sensitive screen, wherein the second touch sensitive screen automatically configures as an appropriate game controller for a game displayed on at least a portion of the first touch sensitive screen. Preferably, the appropriate game controller comprises cardinal direction indicators and at least one function button. The person of ordinary skill will readily appreciate that any useful or application specific control button can be implemented in the first or second touch sensitive screen as needed to control a particular game. In some embodiments, a portion of the first touch sensitive screen also automatically configures as at least a portion of an appropriate controller for the game displayed on the first touch sensitive screen. Alternatively, a portion of the second touch sensitive screen displays the game. Still alternatively, a user configures the portions of the first and second screens to be game displays or controllers. A size of the cardinal direction indicators and/or function button is user configurable. Furthermore, a location of the cardinal direction indicators or function button is user configurable. The user can configure the number of function buttons and location of function buttons once when a game is loaded for the first time. The device can then prompt the user if they wish to re-use the same configuration later. Also, multiple configurations can be stored for multiple users. A functionality, i.e., resulting action of the at least one function button indicators is user configurable in the same manner. In some embodiments, the at least one function button comprises concentric areas of contact, wherein each area of contact corresponds to a pressure. Inner areas, indicating a light contact, correlate to low pressure. As the user presses more firmly, their finger splays and contacts a more of the concentric areas, correlating to higher pressure. The concentric areas of contact can be user defined, or prompted by the device to be configured in a “test mode” or “setup mode.” In some embodiments, all user controls are configured in a “test mode.”

In another aspect of the invention, a method of displaying an appropriate game controller for a game comprises displaying a game on a first touch sensitive screen, and configuring an adjacent second touch sensitive screen as an appropriate controller for the game. In some embodiments, the method further comprises displaying a game on at least a portion of the second touch sensitive screen and configuring at least a portion of the first touch sensitive screen as an appropriate controller for the game. Configuring an adjacent second touch sensitive screen as an appropriate controller for the game comprises receiving user inputs relating to a functionality of the controller, wherein receiving user inputs relating to a functionality of the controller comprises receiving user inputs relating to the placement of a control button and/or size of a control button. In some embodiments, receiving user inputs relating to the functionality of the controller comprises forming concentric areas of contact corresponding to pressure.

In another aspect of the invention, an electronic gaming device comprises a first touch sensitive display screen, a second touch sensitive display screen hingedly coupled to the first touch sensitive display screen. Preferably, the first and second touch sensitive display screens are settable in a closed position and an open position, and in an open position, the first and second touch sensitive display screens are directly adjacent to one another so as to form one uninterrupted screen. Stated differently, the two screens together appear to a user as one fluid screen. At least a portion of the second touch sensitive screen is configured as a controller for a game displayed on at least a portion of the first touch sensitive screen. In some embodiments, a portion of the second touch sensitive screen not being configured as a controller can also display the game, or a portion of the first touch sensitive screen not displaying a game also configures as a controller. The controller comprises at least one of cardinal direction indicators and functional buttons. The locations and sizes of the at least one of cardinal direction indicators and functional buttons on the controller are user configured. In some embodiments, the at least one of cardinal direction indicators and functional buttons comprise concentric areas of contact correlating to pressure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a prior art dual screen gaming device having fixed cardinal directions and function buttons.

FIG. 2A shows a dual screen gaming device wherein a first screen displays a game and a second screen configures as a controller.

FIG. 2B shows a dual screen gaming device wherein a first screen and portion of a second screen display a game and a remaining portion of the second screen configures as a controller.

FIG. 3 shows a dual screen gaming device wherein the controller is configured on a portion of both screens and different aspects of a game are displayed on a remaining portion of the first screen above the controller and a remaining portion of the bottom screen below the controller.

FIG. 4A shows a dual screen gaming device wherein a first screen displays a game and a second screen configures as a controller.

FIG. 4B shows a dual screen gaming device wherein a portion of the first screen displays a game and the remainder of the first screen and the entirety of the second screen are configured as a controller.

FIG. 5A shows concentric areas of contact on a touch screen corresponding to different levels of pressure.

FIG. 5B shows a finger splaying against a touchscreen and contacting different concentric areas of contact.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The systems and methods described herein enable two touch screens to selectively display a game and/or configure as a controller for the game. The two touch screens preferably are hingedly coupled and in an open position appear to a user to have the same look and feel as one contiguous, unbroken screen.

The following figures illustrate features of specific embodiments of the presently-claimed invention. Throughout the figures, below, identical labels refer to identical or similar elements. The following embodiments are intended to illustrate the features of the presently-claimed invention. The invention is not limited to only the disclosed embodiments.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show a dual screen gaming device 200 that is displaying a game and also has a controller configured for the game. FIG. 2A shows the gaming device 200 displaying a game on an entirety of a first touch sensitive screen 201 and a controller is configured on a second touch sensitive screen 202. Preferably, the first 201 and second 202 touch sensitive screens are rotatably coupled by a hinge 210 such that in an open position, as shown in FIG. 2A, the first 201 and second 202 touch sensitive screens are directly adjacent to one another and appear to a user as one screen. A dividing line 203 can be artificially located to segregate the controller portion from the game display portion of the first 201 and second 202 touch sensitive screens to give the user the look and feel of the well known hand held gaming devices. However, the dividing line 203 can be moved as desired or necessary, as will be explained below. The second touch sensitive screen 202 is configured as a controller specific to the game being displayed on the first touch sensitive screen 201. The controller comprises well known features, such as a cardinal direction indicator 210 and functional buttons 215. In the example provided, the first touch sensitive screen 201 is displaying a bowling game. The cardinal direction indicator 210 can, for example, move the character 204 about the bowling lane 205. The functional buttons 215 can control, for example, the pullback and release of the bowling ball 204A. The functional buttons 215 need not be single touch buttons. For example, a sweeping motion can be called for across a field on the second touch sensitive screen 202 wherein the entire field is the functional button 215. In the example provided in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the game is relatively simple, requiring few controls. As a result, the game display area can be enlarged and the controller area minimized. To that end, FIG. 2B shows the device 200 configured such that the entirety of the first touch sensitive display 201 and a portion of the second touch sensitive display 202 both simultaneously and in concert display the game, and a portion of the second touch sensitive display 202 not displaying the game is configured as a game controller. By way of example, a user can pick from two menu and settings buttons 217 and a pull down menu 220 appears. The pull down menu 220 includes several choices, such as “display.” Within “display,” a user can pick “enlarge” or “maximize” in order to maximize or enlarge the display area. Furthermore, the functional buttons 215A have been re-configured as a sliding motion corresponding to the character's 204 release of the bowling ball 204A. The user can sweep the functional button 215A in the direction of the arrow to simulate the motion of rolling a bowling ball. Still alternatively, the functional buttons 215B can be moved into the display area, in an area that is not critical to game play. In the example of FIG. 2B, the functional buttons 215B are moved to the right of the lane 205 and do not interfere with standard gameplay. When the display area is maximized, the dividing line 203 is moved to a new position 203A to continue to divide between the display area and the controller. In some embodiments, the line 203A is moved manually. For example, “manual” is selected from the pull down menu 220 and a user can drag and drop the line 203A to a certain location to have a desired game display area and a desired controller area. Still alternatively, a user can drag and drop the line 203A without prompting the pull down menu 220.

FIG. 3A shows exemplary methods of displaying commands for moving controller functions. Again, a dual screen gaming device has a first touch sensitive screen 301 and a second touch sensitive screen 302 rotatably coupled by a hinge 303. The first touch sensitive screen 301 displays a golfing game. The second touch sensitive screen is configured as a controller. A user can call a menu or settings button 317 to show a pull down menu 320. Among the exemplary selections in the pull down menu 320, a user can select “move,” then may select an individual button by pressing “select,” or simply “move all.” By choosing select, the user puts the device 300 into a pause state with respect to the game and the user can then drag and drop any of the functional buttons 315, cardinal directions 310 or settings/menu buttons 317 by holding their finger down and moving them to a desired location.

In some embodiments, a secondary game display is desirable. To that end, FIG. 3B shows the dual screen gaming device 300 of FIG. 3A wherein a portion of the first touch sensitive screen 301 is configured as a first display area 350 and a portion of the second touch sensitive screen 302 is configured as a second display area 352. The remaining area between the first display area 350 and second display area 352 is configured as a controller area 351. In this example, the controller area 351 comprises a lower portion of the first touch sensitive display 301 and an upper portion of the second touch sensitive display 302. However, the controller area 351 can be entirely located in either of the touch sensitive screens. The first display area 350 and second display area 352 each display a different aspect of the game. In the example provided, the first display area 350 shows a golf ball landing in a putting green. The second display area 352 shows the entire trajectory of the ball 304 as it travels the length of a fairway. In a second example not shown, the first display area 350 can show a character in a “first person shooter” style game, and the second display area 352 can show a map of the location of the character. The dividing line, where the hinge 303 is located is provided to show the physical divide between the first touch sensitive screen 301 and second touch sensitive screen 302. Due to the highly configurable nature of the controller 351, any of the cardinal direction indicator 310 or functional buttons 315 can be divided between the first touch sensitive screen 301 and second touch sensitive screen 302 without the user's experience being affected. Alternatively, the second display area 352 can display any other useful information. For example, the dual screen gaming device 300 can also comprise telephone or smartphone capability. To that end, the second display area 352 can show the time, weather, incoming calls, or any other display feature generally available on a smartphone.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show the versatility of a dual screen gaming device 400 with regards to levels of difficulty of gameplay and the adaptability and configurability of a controller to suit a user's needs. Both FIGS. 4A and 4B show a curling game displayed in a display area 450 and 450′ respectively. For example, FIG. 4A shows a curling game in an easy, or beginner mode. Due to the relative ease of gameplay, less controls are necessary, and the controller portion 451 uses the entirety or less of the second touch sensitive display 402 since only two function buttons 415′ are needed and the display portion 450 uses the entirety of the first touch sensitive screen 401. However, as gameplay advances, a user can be prompted to take greater control of the characters. As a result, more functionality is needed, requiring more functional buttons 415′. To that end, FIG. 4B shows the device 400 automatically configured in an advanced setting. There are six functional buttons 415′ rather than two. Since more space is needed for the greater control, the display area 450′ in the advanced version is a portion of the first touch sensitive screen 401, whereas the control area 451′ has grown to encompass the entirety of the second touch sensitive screen 402 and a portion of the first touch sensitive screen 401. Furthermore, it is understood that any of the functionality, location or size of any control feature of FIGS. 2A-4B are configurable by the user to provide a personalized gaming experience.

In some embodiments, two players can play one game simultaneously on a dual screen gaming device 500 as shown in FIG. 5. The device 500 is configured to have a first control area 550 for a first user, a display area 551, and a second control area 552 for a second user. In the example provided in FIG. 5, a boxing game is displayed in the display area 551, and it follows naturally that a game such as a boxing game lends itself to two players. The first control area comprises a first cardinal direction 510 and a first set of functional buttons 515. The first user can configure the first cardinal direction 510 and first set of function buttons 515 as desired. Similarly, the second control area comprises a second cardinal direction 510′ and a second set of functional buttons 515′. The second user can configure the second cardinal direction 510′ and second set of function buttons 515′ as desired. As a default setting, the first 550 and second 553 control areas are mirror images of each other for enabling identical gameplay.

In some applications, it is desirable for gameplay for a device to sense pressure. An analog response to pressure rather than a binary contact/no contact response resulting from pressing down on a functional button can enhance gameplay and the user experience. However, prior art solutions for pressure sensitive touch screens are expensive and drain an unacceptable amount of current. However, one aspect of this disclosure is directed towards a way to sense pressure on a standard capacitive touch sensitive screen. Referring now to FIG. 6A, a field 600 is shown. The field 600 can be in any location on any of the touch sensitive screens described in the above Figures and corresponding text. The field 600 is a touch sensitive field having a functional button 610. The functional button 610 can be any function related to gameplay or other use. As in the previous embodiments, the functional button 610 can be user defined in terms of functionality, size, and placement. In the embodiments of FIGS. 6A and 6B, an additional dimension of user configurability and functionality is included in the form of concentric areas of contact 601-605 that correspond to pressure. Referring now to FIG. 6B, a finger 620 is shown pressing onto the surface of a screen 630 at a contact point 615. During initial, or light contact, the finger 620 splays slightly at the contact point 615 and only touches a first area of contact 601. When the user demands greater response from the functional button 610, they press their finger 620 greater, causing a greater area of contact 617 between the finger 620 and the surface 630. As greater pressure by the user is applied, a greater point of contact 618 is fanned. Finally, maximum contact 619 is made to define the greatest concentric area of contact 605. Advantageously, such an embodiment can be realized in a standard capacitive touchscreen currently in use in most touch sensitive applications. Referring back to FIG. 6A, the concentric areas of contact 601-605 need not correspond exactly to the boundary to the functional button 610. Since the user will initially contact the center of the functional button 610, the splaying of the finger 620 will occur mostly out of the boundary of the functional button 610.

In some embodiments, the user can enter a “pressure sensing” test mode where the device prompts the user to apply a light, a medium, and a maximum pressure onto a defined field. The device then calculates concentric areas 601-605 of pressure with respect to the functional button 610. Alternatively, a user can manually configure the concentric areas of pressure 601-605 as desired. Still alternatively, the concentric areas of pressure are pre-programmed into a device. Although a functional button 610 is shown in the example provided, a cardinal direction or any other button can also be pressure sensitive in the means described in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of principles of construction and operation of the invention. Such reference herein to specific embodiments and details thereof is not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other various modifications are able to be made to the embodiments chosen for illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 

1. An electronic gaming device comprising: a. a first touch sensitive screen; b. a second touch sensitive screen adjacent to the first touch sensitive screen; wherein the second touch sensitive screen automatically configures as an appropriate game controller for a game displayed on at least a portion of the first touch sensitive screen.
 2. The electronic gaming device of claim 1 wherein the appropriate game controller comprises cardinal direction indicators.
 3. The electronic gaming device of claim 1 wherein the appropriate game controller comprises at least one function button.
 4. The electronic gaming device of claim 1 wherein a portion of the first touch sensitive screen also automatically configures as at least a portion of an appropriate controller for the game displayed on the first touch sensitive screen.
 5. The electronic gaining device of claim 1 wherein a portion of the second touch sensitive screen displays the game.
 6. The electronic gaining device of claim 2 wherein a size of the cardinal direction indicators is user configurable.
 7. The electronic gaming device of claim 3 wherein a size of the at least one function button is user configurable.
 8. The electronic gaming device of claim 2 wherein a location of the cardinal direction indicators is user configurable.
 9. The electronic gaming device of claim 3 wherein a location of the at least one function button indicators is user configurable.
 10. The electronic gaming device of claim 3 wherein a functionality of the at least one function button indicators is user configurable.
 11. The electronic gaming device of claim 3 wherein the at least one function button comprises concentric areas of contact, wherein each area of contact corresponds to a pressure.
 12. The electronic gaming device of claim 11 wherein the concentric areas of contact corresponding to pressure are user configurable.
 13. A method of displaying an appropriate game controller for a game comprising: a. displaying a game on a first touch sensitive screen; and b. configuring an adjacent second touch sensitive screen as an appropriate controller for the game.
 14. The method of claim 13 further comprising displaying a game on at least a portion of the second touch sensitive screen.
 15. The method of claim 13 further comprising configuring at least a portion of the first touch sensitive screen as an appropriate controller for the game.
 16. The method of claim 13 wherein configuring an adjacent second touch sensitive screen as an appropriate controller for the game comprises receiving user inputs relating to a functionality of the controller.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein receiving user inputs relating to a functionality of the controller comprises receiving user inputs relating to the placement of a control button.
 18. The method of claim 16 wherein receiving user inputs relating to a functionality of the controller comprises receiving user inputs relating to the size of a control button.
 19. The method of claim 16 wherein receiving user inputs relating to the functionality of the controller comprises forming concentric areas of contact corresponding to pressure.
 20. An electronic gaming device comprising: a. a first touch sensitive display screen; b. a second touch sensitive display screen hingedly coupled to the first touch sensitive display screen, wherein the first and second touch sensitive display screens are settable in a closed position and an open position, wherein in an open position, the first and second touch sensitive display screens are directly adjacent to one another so as to form one uninterrupted screen; wherein at least a portion of the second touch sensitive screen is configured as a controller for a game displayed on at least a portion of the first touch sensitive screen.
 21. The electronic gaming device of claim 20 wherein a portion of the second touch sensitive screen also displays the game.
 22. The electronic gaming device of claim 20 wherein a portion of the first touch sensitive screen also configures as a controller.
 23. The electronic gaming device of claim 20 wherein the controller comprises at least one of cardinal direction indicators and functional buttons.
 24. The electronic gaming device of claim 23 wherein the locations of the at least one of cardinal direction indicators and functional buttons on the controller are user configured.
 25. The electronic gaming device of claim 23 wherein the sizes of the at least one of cardinal direction indicators and functional buttons on the controller are user configured.
 26. The electronic gaming device of claim 23 wherein the at least one of cardinal direction indicators and functional buttons comprise concentric areas of contact correlating to pressure. 